I met with a orthopedic surgeon earlier today.

They took x-rays of my left shoulder. Then, he comes in to the room and tells me I need a total left shoulder replacement. He told me that it's not an emergency but not to wait another 10 years(which is what I did before) before having it done. If I do wait too long, the surgery becomes more difficult and the result less desirable. He pointed out how screwed up my shoulder is in the x-rays. Huge bone spurs and most of the cartilage is gone. I'm 55 and the doctor said it looked like the shoulder of a 70 year old.

It has to be genetic as I never played football or organized basketball. Both of my parents had joints replaced.


I shouldn't have to say this but...THIS SUCKS!

The range of motion in that arm has been limited for a while(I can't touch my back with that hand for example) but I didn't think this was going to be the prognosis. There's really no pain except once in a while when I sleep on it wrong.

I feel like my back is against the wall(figuratively) here for the reasons stated above. I really don't want to have this done but I feel like it(the shoulder) is running out of time now for a good operation.

I'd just like information from anyone who has been through it before. Like the amount of pain in recovery, the time before that limb becomes useful again, as well as anything else that's pertinent.

TIA.